title: Vascular access in hemophilia.
abstract: Patients with severe factor VIII deficiency hemophilia require recurrent factor VIII infusion for complications of their bleeding diathesis, resulting in depletion of peripheral infusion sites. At the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, many hemophiliac patients are seen yearly. Therapy for some of these patients requires recurrent administration of factor VIII concentrates. Recent experience with two patients who had exhausted peripheral venous infusion sites necessitated innovative vascular access. Our favorable experience with subcutaneous bovine heterografts prompted use of this technique. An easily cannulated infusion site resulted and facilitated factor VIII concentrate infusion. Patients with bleeding disorders represent a whole new population who may require vascular access. Our experience suggests that it is practical to expand the scope of access to include these patients.
mesh_terms: D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D001916:Brachial Artery; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D005169:Factor VIII